Gmail Users Beware: Inactive Accounts Face Deletion

Google has warned millions of Gmail users that their accounts could be deleted later this year.

The inactivity policy goes into effect on 1 December 2023. But Google is fair; they’ll give you an opportunity to act and we have gathered all there is to know, in this article.
 

Google’s Inactivity Policy

 
Google’s definition of an inactive account is quite comprehensive. An account is considered inactive if it hasn’t been used within a 2-year period.

This includes actions like reading or sending an email, using Google Drive, watching a YouTube video, sharing a photo, downloading an app, using Google Search, or even signing in with Google to a third-party app.
 

What Influenced This Decision?

 
This decision speaks to their ongoing efforts in enhancing security and streamline the management of accounts.

Google is treating these accounts as inactive and plans to initiate the deletion process. The goal is to clean up the virtual “dust” gathered over the years from the unused “books” in the virtual space.
 

What Are the Exceptions?

 
There are exceptions to this policy that keep a Google Account active even if it hasn’t been used within the 2-year timeframe.

This includes situations where the account was used to make a purchase of an ongoing Google product, app, service, or subscription, contains a gift card with a balance, owns a published application or game with ongoing transactions, manages an active minor account with Family Link, or has been used to purchase a digital item.

These actions demonstrate account activity, not device activity, meaning that you can take these actions on any device where you’re signed in.
 
 

How Will I Know My Account is Safe?

 
Google has committed to sending multiple emails as reminders to users about this upcoming change.

At least eight months prior to any action being taken, these reminders will be sent to account holders and the recovery email addresses linked with those accounts.

To prevent losing access to their accounts, users must pay close attention to these notifications.

You must take immediate action if Google notifies you that your account is inactive. Users are strongly urged to sign back into their accounts and safeguard their sensitive data.
 

How Else Can I Save My Account?

 
Google also provides users with options to manage their accounts according to their needs. If you wish to delete, download the data from, or recover your account, there are provisions for that.

You can also temporarily suspend your Google Account during specific situations like military tours of duty, prison sentences, or religious pilgrimage.

Individual users are now responsible for making use of the tools offered and maintaining their online presence.

If you’re unsure about your activity status, you can check it by signing into your Google Account.